WORLD CUP 2010

[fansince62]

I see you are one of the millions of Americans who thirst for the need for climax incapable of seeing the symphony of action required to reach that conclusion.

no....I can think about the nuances on a given play for hrs on end watching a baseball game.

no...I can get strategy, athletic prowess, synchronized teamwork, SCORING/DRAMA, offense/defense test of will....in 3 hr bursts watching a football game.

soccer? eh........there are Beethoven symphonies and there are John Cage symphonies. guess which category soccer falls into?

and.....btw......when "thirsting for the need for climax" (a rather odd locution...but we'll let that pass).......I prefer to be part of the "symphony of action"......not an observer. but to each his own!!!....

I don't begrudge you the pleasure soccer evidently provides........I find it boring relative to the time invested......and, by all appearances, more violent than a home game in Philly!

btw....do you ever watch golf on tv?

 

[fansince62]

Soccer is not only fun to watch, it's thrilling to watch. You either 'get it' or you don't.

I've heard that said about dog fighting.

 

[Boone]

On no you ditn't

I enjoy watching golf too .... each has its charms

 

[fansince62]

On no you ditn't

I enjoy watching golf too .... each has its charms

well.....this started as a jesting exchange between me and serv...evolved into a sexual metaphor.....became a spiritual glance heavenward to getting it........can't say B&GO doesn't lack for variety and talent!!!.... Mr Wizard!!!!

 

[servumtuum]

fansince62, one of the things I enjoy in almost any forum is watching how threads develop-threads have a life of their own and part of the fun is the anticipation of knowing that what direction they're going to take, what flavor(s) they have and how perspectives and personalities are going to jostle the original idea-all of these things, are well nigh unpredictable.

I always did like roller coasters.

 

[Elephant]

fan, I understood the jest involved in your comment to Serv. My reply was not heated, merely recognizing that you appear to be like many other Americans who seem to have a need for the fulfillment that comes along with scoring a TD, goal, homerun, dunk, etc...


Oh and I'm not sure why you automatically understood the climax statement as a sexual reference, that was definitely not the intent. Should I have used pinnacle instead?

And, I am not a huge golf fan, but I will watch a major tournament.

 

[fansince62]

fan, I understood the jest involved in your comment to Serv. My reply was not heated, merely recognizing that you appear to be like many other Americans who seem to have a need for the fulfillment that comes along with scoring a TD, goal, homerun, dunk, etc...


Oh and I'm not sure why you automatically understood the climax statement as a sexual reference, that was definitely not the intent. Should I have used pinnacle instead?

And, I am not a huge golf fan, but I will watch a major tournament.

elephant....I took no offense and hope you didn't either. I assumed we were trading barbs in a fashion that would never go beyond the single thread. I find it great that you love soccer - I happen to harbor a similar affection for golf that many can't fathom. I'm loathe to admit it...but as the sage Boone puts it...when it comes to soccer...I don't get it! To make the progressives on this board happy...I blame my parents for this failing...

hey...give me some credit for turning your phraseology on its head!!!! whether eschatological allusion was your intent or not...it sure read that way....

 

[fansince62]

fansince62, one of the things I enjoy in almost any forum is watching how threads develop-threads have a life of their own and part of the fun is the anticipation of knowing that what direction they're going to take, what flavor(s) they have and how perspectives and personalities are going to jostle the original idea-all of these things, are well nigh unpredictable.

I always did like roller coasters.

I always prefer the E ticket verbal rides! and they are fun!

riffing off of themes in an unstructured environment like a message board can be a blast.........

 

[servumtuum]

(Unintentional double post...oops.)

 

[servumtuum]

elephant....I took no offense and hope you didn't either. I assumed we were trading barbs in a fashion that would never go beyond the single thread. I find it great that you love soccer - I happen to harbor a similar affection for golf that many can't fathom. I'm loathe to admit it...but as the sage Boone puts it...when it comes to soccer...I don't get it! To make the progressives on this board happy...I blame my parents for this failing...

hey...give me some credit for turning your phraseology on its head!!!! whether eschatological allusion was your intent or not...it sure read that way....

fansince62, you're not alone, El's magnificent phrase "the need for climax incapable of seeing the symphony of action required to reach that conclusion." sent me into inferring the unintended double-entendre as well. Sorry, El.

For the record, I'm perfectly o.k. with your disinterest in soccer, you had asked me why I thought it "fun to watch" and I answered. That's all.

I do like to watch golf on tv myself, by the way, and I don't even play golf.

Returning the favor of a compliment you made earlier-I enjoy your posts as well, your clever word usage is delightful.

(Yeah, I know, the thread's a bit off track but the WC resumes tomorrow and presumably the discussion will right itself-but this digression has been too much fun to miss.)

 

[McD5]

It should be an incredible final. Can Netherlands finally get over the hump?

But it's hard to bet against Germany.

 

[Elephant]

Serv and fan, now you guys are just picking on me!

McD5, I wouldn't bet against the Dutch, but I think the Germans will prevail.

 

[McD5]

Serv and fan, now you guys are just picking on me!

McD5, I wouldn't bet against the Dutch, but I think the Germans will prevail.

Elephant, I have seen this exact scenario play out with Germany many times before, both in the WC, and in lesser tournaments. You likely have also, as you seem to know a good bit about the sport.

Here is the deal: Much like Germany is as a nation--methodical, mechanical and disciplined, so is their team.

I have seen Germany dominate before, only to tighten up at the end, play too defensively, get frustrated, and lose.

The Dutch are much more open in their style of play. They always have been.

If Germany scores first in that game, it is almost assuredly over. The Dutch will panic, open up too much, and Germany will clamp down and counter.

The key for the Dutch is to score first. And as if that isn't enough to ask, they have to frustrate Germany at the goal. They need a few big saves, maybe a post can help, and maybe one or two shots over the goal.

If they can do that early, history has shown that Germany may just implode.

Make no mistake--Germany is the most technically and fundamentally sound team in the tournament. But just like my German girlfriend, they are tempermental, anal and can be easily frustrated to a point where they simply beat themselves.

Score first and frustrate, and the Dutch have a shot.

 

[fansince62]

Score first and frustrate....

that's the approach for dealing with German girlfriends?....

 

[Lanky Livingston]

You guys are talking as if the Germans have already beaten the Spanish. Don't count them out just yet - they are the best defense the Germans have seen, and have a premiere striker in David Villas. I think its gonna be Spain/Netherlands in the final.

 

[servumtuum]

Just out of curiosity, anyone here think Spain might have a shot at knocking of Germany this afternoon? It wasn't that long ago that Brazil was considered close to a lock to take this thing-there have been "upsets" and Spain, while they might have the seemingly overwhelming power of the Germans, are capable of a good measure of organized finesse and excellent passing and field awareness and, as has been mentioned, an early score might rattle the German side.

Lanky, you were channeling me, dude, your post showed up as I was typing this!

 

[Neophyte]

Wow, sure writing off the Spanish in a hurry here, aren't we? Not that I don't think Germany is going to win but the Spanish team is far too good for it to be a clear conclusion, I think.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Just out of curiosity, anyone here think Spain might have a shot at knocking of Germany this afternoon? It wasn't that long ago that Brazil was considered close to a lock to take this thing-there have been and Spain, while they might have the seemingly overwhelming power of the Germans, are capable of a good measure of organized finesse and excellent passing and field awareness and, as has been mentioned, an early score might rattle the German side.

Lanky, you were channeling me, dude, your post showed up as I was typing this!

Ha!

I do think the Spanish are going to prevail today. Just a hunch, as I'm not a huge soccer fan or anything - but the Spanish are an excellent side. We shall see - as they say, "that's why they play the game."

 

[Elephant]

You guys are absolutely correct, the Germans have not even won the semi-final game. Spain was the favored going in and both Spain and Germany have shown in this tournament that neither is perfect. I think the momentum going in is in favor of the Germans, they are coming of 2 victories that are unprecedented in the World Cup. No team has ever scored 4 goals in the round of 16 and then again in the Quarterfinals to advance to the Semi-finals. That is simply strong play!, Although England was no powerhouse, Argentina was so the German victory over them was incredibly impressive.

The Spanish on the other hand beat a solid Portuguese team with a last minute goal, a good win but not convincing. They have been winning, but have not "stood out" the way the Germans have since their loss in the opening round. David Villas is one of, if not, the best. If Fernando Torres finally shows up, they can beat the Germans. There is no doubt. I just see the Germans advancing and winning it all.

Here's my dilemma, I have been a fan of the Dutch since the days of Johann Cruyff. It would be nice to see them win it all. Hey, it would be nice to see Spain with it all. But, I feel the Germans are too strong going in.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

The psychic octopus has picked the Spanish to beat the Germans.